APM series directional fragmentation mines
The APM-1, APM-2, APM-3, APM 19, and APM 29 are Austrian directional fragmentation mines similar to the U.S. Claymore mine. The mine's cases are made from moulded plastic have convex faces. They contain a matrix of 5 millimeter diameter steel balls weighing 0.5 grams laid over a Composition B charge. When triggered the mines project the fragments in a horizontal arc of approximately 60 degrees.
The mines were not produced in numerical order, the APM-3 was superseded by the APM-2. The APM-1 is the smallest of the mines, it uses a tripod mounting with a pan and tilt head. The APM-2 uses two scissor type legs to position.
The mines can be command or tripwire activated, and can be fitted with a time delay fuze ranging from one minute to twenty four hours.
Production of APM-1 and APM-2 ceased in 1980s, though both have been reported as used in Angola.
Specifications
APM-1 | APM-2 | APM-3 | APM 19 | APM 29 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weight | 1 kg | 2.95 kg | 3 kg | 1.9 kg | 2.9 kg |
Explosive content | 0.36 kg of Composition B | 1.3 kg of Composition B | 1.2 kg of Composition B | 0.9 kg of Composition B [1] | 1.45 kg of Composition B [1] |
Length | 315 mm | 140 mm | 230 mm | 265 mm | |
Height | 80 mm | 155 mm | 140 mm | 95 mm | 120 mm |
Width | 40 mm | 40 mm | 23 mm | 35 mm | 45 mm |
Fragments | 290 | 1,450 | 1,000 + | 923 | 923 [2] |
Initial velocity | 1,460 m/s | 1,660 m/s | |||
Effective range [3] | 25 meters | 50 meters + | 50 m | 50 m + |
References
- Jane's Mines and Mine Clearance 2005-2006
- APM-1 at ORDATA
- APM-2 at ORDATA
- APM-3 at ORDATA
- APM 19 at ORDATA
- APM 29 at ORDATA
- 1 2 The main charge is believed to be Composition B.
- ↑ The APM 29 uses larger 5.6 mm diameter fragments, giving it a greater effective range.
- ↑ The mines are considered effective when the fragments at the range are capable of penetrating 20 mm of Pine or 4 mm of Aluminium.